Jags Can Fill Terry Void

Steve Round believes John Terry’s international retirement paves the way for Phil Jagielka to become a fixture in the England side.

Terry announced on Sunday night that he had played his last game for the Three Lions.

The Chelsea player claims his place in the England team is now ‘untenable’ following the Football Association's decision to ‘pursue charges’ against him despite being cleared in court of racially abusing Anton Ferdinand.

However, Terry’s loss could be to Jagielka’s gain, according to Round, himself a former coach within the national team set-up.

He said: “There will be a few vying to replace him and Jagielka certainly comes into that.

“For Jags it is a great opportunity – it is one that he is ready for and I know that.

“He feels he can step up to that level and he has certainly got the talent and ability to do so. He just needs to get in there, show it and establish himself.”

Jagielka has won 14 England caps and was a part of the Three Lions’ Euro 2012 squad.

Despite not kicking a ball at the tournament he has since come to the fore. He scored his first international goal in the 2-1 friendly win over Italy and started the recent World Cup qualifier against the Ukrainians.

Round added: “Jagielka has great speed and awareness and is great in those one-on-one situations, which is something that is very important in international football.

“He has also developed that composure on the ball which is important, that confidence to take the ball off of the goalkeeper and he has shown that for both Everton and England.”